Sporting News recruiting writer Brian McLaughlin continues his position-by-position look at some of the top 2013 prospects in the country. Today, a look at inside linebackers.

Darian Claiborne

Port Allen (La.)

6-1/205

Claiborne says: “Most colleges really like that I could run and get from sideline to sideline. I can cover and am very versatile and could bring a different kind of energy to the defense. They also tell me I have a nose for the ball and have high instincts.”

His take on schools: “I’m kind of in a situation where I really like Texas A&M but I can’t wait to go to Nebraska this summer. I’m not making a decision any time soon but I think all the colleges who are interested in me will have a fair chance of getting me and I’m going to take my time and evaluate them just like they are doing with me.”

Josh Banderas

Lincoln Southeast (Lincoln, Neb.)

6-2/215

Banderas says: “Coaches say that my ability to cover in space is one of my best assets. I feel like the strength of my game is that I’m not afraid to stick my nose in there.”

His take on schools: Banderas has been committed to Nebraska for the past couple of weeks, but before his commitment he was also considering scholarship offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State and Vanderbilt, to name a few.

Brooks Ellis

His take on schools: “For the most part, I’m wide open, but I’d probably say Arkansas is my leader.” Arizona State, Illinois, Ole Miss and South Florida are among the schools other than Arkansas to offer Ellis.

MORE POSITION ANALYSES

James Hearns

Hearns says: “Coaches tell me they love my size and how physical I am. They tell me I play with a lot of emotion.”

His take on schools: “I’m committed to the University of Florida but some schools that are still after me are Southern Cal, UCLA, Louisville, Ohio State, FSU and South Carolina.”

Ryne Rankin

East River (Orlando, Fla.)

6-1/230

Rankin says: “College coaches say they love the way I hit people, wrap up and drive my feet into the ground. They like that I am an old-school mindset football player with speed like a Jack Lambert mixed with Ray Lewis with also a hint of Brian Bosworth all wrapped up in one. That’s me. I was brought up to play football how it should be played, not flashy ‘let’s dive at their ankles 24/7’. I was brought up to drive them into the ground and let them know next play it’s going to happen again—so be prepared or get off the field.”

His take on schools: Rankin has been committed to Georgia for about a month, and he also reports offers from Kansas, Ole Miss, Penn State and Texas A&M, to name a few. “I got a Facebook message to call Coach (Kirk) Olivadotti, the Georgia linebackers coach, and he said that the 'Dogs would love to have me play linebacker for them. I jumped out of my chair and ran down the hallway—since I was at school.”

Jon Reschke

Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)

6-3/230

Reschke says: “Before I had committed to Michigan State, coaches from all over the country told me they really liked the way I play. They told me I have great bursts of intensity which result in making big plays. They like my size, my athleticism and my nose for the ballcarrier. I was told I can play any of the linebacker positions, from inside to outside. I believe my best strength is being able to quickly read a key and exploding to where the ball is going to be. I also think I’m a very good pass rusher and blitzer.”

His take on schools: “College recruiting is going great for me. I had interest from every top school in the country, but I fell in love with Michigan State’s program and decided not to waste any more time so I committed.”

Brett Wade

Kennedale (Texas)

6-1/215

Wade says: “I believe I am good at my position because of how explosive I am and my quick reaction to reading plays is good.”

His take on schools: Arizona, Clemson, Ole Miss, North Carolina and Texas Tech are just a few of the schools after Wade.